Hernandez (1-0, 1.38 ERA) has been the most consistent starter in the Mets rotation thus far, allowing two runs and seven hits in 13 innings in his two starts. The right-hander gave up only one run and two hits in six innings against Atlanta on Sunday, but New York ended up losing 3-2 after the bullpen yielded two eighth-inning runs.

Each of Hernandez's first two starts came on the road, and he'll make his Shea Stadium season debut with this start. He went 5-3 with a 3.00 ERA in nine starts at Shea in 2006.

Shawn Hill (0-2, 3.09) makes his first career start against the Mets as he takes the hill for Washington. Hill gave the Nationals one of their best performances by one of their starters in his last appearance, but his offense once again didn't support him with any runs.

The right-hander gave up two runs and six hits in 6 2-3 innings of Sunday's 3-1 loss to Arizona, and the lone Washington run came in the eighth inning.